This code of practice sets out the way we publicise planning applications (and supersedes our previous code of practice dated 2010). It also explains how you can comment on applications and the way in which these are considered.
Article 15 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 requires that all planning applications should have some form of publicity. At the moment, all planning applications are publicised by the display of a site notice. Some applications will require an advert in a local newspaper.
Our code of practice
When publicising planning applications, we will:
- Display a site notice in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days.
When statutorily required, we will display a site notice in at least one place on or near the land to which the application relates for not less than 21 days, and publicise the application in a local newspaper, notifying the public that they have 21 days in which to make comments.
We seek to identify appropriate placement of our notices by:
- Reference to an up-to-date Ordnance Survey plan of the application site and surrounding area when the application is being checked for validity
- Officer site visits during the course of processing the application
Each case is assessed on its own merits and decisions about publicity remains a matter of discretion for individual officers.
Anyone interested in an application proposal is able to write to us with their views quoting the reference number. You can find this by searching our website or from a site or press notice.
We may give major proposals further publicity via press releases and/or public exhibitions.
You can submit your comments online under the application reference number, also please see our frequently asked questions for further information on making your comments.
Dealing with consultation responses
Anyone writing to us with a comment on a planning application will:
- Have their comment considered as part of the planning process
- Have their comment posted on our website
- Be able to view planning decisions posted our website
The decision notice will set out any conditions imposed on a planning permission, or state the reasons for refusal where planning permission is not granted. The decision notice can be viewed under the application reference on our website.
Pre-application community engagement protocol
Before submission of an application, particularly for larger proposals, we encourage landowners/developers to carry out pre-application consultations with neighbours and the wider community. This is not mandatory, but is considered best practice and something that is set out in the our Statement of Community Involvement which forms part of the Local Development Framework.
The level of community engagement will vary for different types of development, ranging from talking to neighbours about a house extension to consulting the wider community where, for example, a housing development or retail store is proposed. We will advise landowners/developers on the matter although the decision to carry out pre-application consultations is ultimately one for the landowner/developer.
Pre-application presentations to members
Sometimes formal presentations will be made to councillors. These provide an opportunity for landowners/developers to explain how a scheme has evolved and how community engagement has helped shape a proposal. You can attend these presentations to listen to what is said. Public questions cannot be raised during presentations. Any queries can be sent to us.
General advice
Your comments must be based on planning grounds and provided to us in writing. If you decide to make comments on an application why not use the saved search and track applications functions available through our Public Access system.
Types of publicity for planning applications
| Nature of proposed development | Statutory publicity requirement | Publicity carried out by SBC |
|---|---|---|
|
Major development (Development of more than 10 dwellings, or more than 1000m2 of floorspace or on a site larger than 0.5ha |
Press notice Website Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification |
Press notice Website Site notice |
| Minor development (Development of 10 or less dwellings, less than 1000m2 floorspace or on a site less than 0.5ha) |
Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification Site notice and Press notice if application affects the character or appearance of a Conservation Area or Listed Building Website |
Press notice Website Site notice |
| Householder development |
Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification Site notice and Press notice if application affects the character or appearance of a Conservation Area or Listed Building Website |
Press notice Website Site notice |
| Change of Use |
Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification Site notice and Press notice if application affects the character of appearance of a Conservation Area or Listed Building Website |
Press notice Website Site notice |
|
Application accompanied by an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Departure from the development plan (currently adopted Development Plan) |
Press notice Website Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification |
Press notice Website Site notice |
| Proposal affecting a public right of way |
Press notice Website Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification |
Press notice Website Site notice |
| Variation or removal of condition(s) attached to a previous approval |
Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification Site notice and Press notice if application affects the character or appearance of a Conservation Area or Listed Building Website |
Website Site notice |
| Listed Building Consent |
Press notice Website Site notice |
Press notice Website Site notice |
| Consent to display advertisements | Nil | Website |
| Discharge of Planning Conditions | Nil | Website |
| Application for Non-material Amendments | Nil | Website |
| Certificate of Lawful Use or Development - Existing | Nil | Website |
| Certificate of Lawful Use or Development - Proposed | Nil | Website |
| Application for works to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders | Nil | Website |
| Telecommunications prior approval | Site notice to be displayed for 21 days or neighbour notification |
Website Site notice Press notice if application affects the character of appearance of a Conservation Area or Listed Building |
| Prior approval to demolish | Nil | Website |
| Demolition determination as to whether prior approval of LPA is required | Applicant/agent top display site notice for 21 days of the 28 day period | Website |